Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDMiddletown, CTPermit No. 19

28 Crescent StreetMiddletown, CT 06457-3650

2007 MIDDLESEX HEALTH SYSTEM

Community Benefit Report

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A definition of Community Benefit*: Programs or activities that provide treatment and/or promote health and healing as aresponse to identified community needs. These programs often operate at a financial loss to the Hospital; respond to needs of special groups, such as persons living in poverty; supply services that would likely be discontinued or would need to be provided byanother organization, if the decision was made on a purely financial basis; respond to public health needs; involve education or research that improves overall community health.

* From “A Guide for Planning and Reporting Community Benefit,” published by The Catholic Health Association of the United States, 2006, developed in cooperation with VHA, Inc.

Community BenefitAdministration(860) 358-3000

Middlesex County Chamber of CommerceHealth Literacy Program(860) 347-6924

Stroke Education(860) 358-6440

Cancer Center Programs(860) 358-2050

Family Medicine Residency Program(860) 358-6418

Family Advocacy(860) 358-3401

Chronic Care Management(Asthma, Diabetes, Chronic Heart Failure, SmokingIntervention Service)(860) 358-3000

Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Medical Center(860) 358-3700

Financial Assistance(860) 358-2402(860) 358-2403

Hospice(860) 358-6100

Behavioral Health Outpatient Programs(860) 358-8800

Tremaine Library(860) 358-6286

Patient Resource Library (Cancer Center)(860) 358-2020

Middlesex HospitalHomecare(860) 358-5600

For all other programs not listed above, please call the Middlesex HospitalMarketing & Public Relations Department at (860) 358-6387.

Quick Reference Guide

production credits

Editor:Peg Arico

Design:Bertz Design Group

Printing:Integrity Graphics

Photography:Paul Horton

John Giammatteo (this page, two people on left)

Tom Derby(page 18-19, small location photos)

The mission of Middlesex

Hospital is to improve the

health of the people it

serves and manage illness

with skill and compassion.

We accomplish our mission

in a variety of ways, whether

it is providing the latest

technology to treat disease

within the walls of the

Hospital, or with improved,

expanded and more

accessible health services

throughout the community

beyond our walls.

“Community” is, after

all, Middlesex Hospital’s

namesake. We are a

community hospital. It is

at the core of our being.

Our work to benefit the

community is a natural

outgrowth of the essence

of the healing professions.

It comes naturally to us

because of our passion to

improve people’s health

and well-being.

Although you will see a

wealth of data and details

in this report, community

benefit is not about

numbers and charts and

graphs. It’s about the

compassion, caring and

commitment of the people

who provide this benefit

and those who benefit from

it – yourselves, your families,

your friends, your neigh-

bors – your community.

We hope you enjoy learning

more in the following pages.

Robert G. KielyPresident /CEOMiddlesex Health System

A message from the president

“Community” is Middlesex Hospital’snamesake. We are a community hospital. It is at the core of our being.

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As part of its governance responsibilities,the Board recognizes the importance ofwell-focused and effective communitybenefit programs. These programs arenever looked upon as being in additionto the Hospital’s primary mission – theyare an integral part of it.

As a result, community benefit programsare subject to the same needs assess-ment, goal setting, monitoring and measurement as are all important Hospitalinitiatives. The Board represents thecommunity. In no area is that responsibilitymore clear than in our commitment toaddressing community needs in the mostappropriate and meaningful ways possible.

Program Development Process

1 The Board of Directors and the Hospital make a formalcommitment to improving the health of communitymembers through community benefit programs.

2 An administrative team is established to drive the healthneeds assessment process.

3 Relevant community partners are involved as part ofthe process.

4 Needs are determined through data gathering andshared with decision makers and community leaders.

5 Appropriate community programs are developed thatcoincide with identified needs. These programs are continuously reassessed for their relevance and newprograms are developed accordingly.

Implementing the Hospital’s strategy to develop specific

programs for our community requires a dedicated staff

who is in touch with the people we serve.

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this page, below: R. Christopher Seaton, Chairman,Board of Directors, Middlesex HealthSystem, Inc.

right page, top row:Katherine Schneider, M.D., Directorof Community Medicine MiddlesexHospital; Mark Masselli, President,Community Health Center

bottom row:Susan Menichetti, President /CEOIntegrated Resources for theMiddlesex Area, LLC; Jim Cama,Chairman, Middlesex CountyChamber of Commerce HealthcareCouncil and business owner; and Arissa Opalacz, communitymember

Community Health AssessmentIn 2007, Middlesex Hospital willconduct a comprehensive commu-nity health assessment to determinethe most important current healthissues within its communities, withthe goal of developing specific programs to address them.

Community BenefitAdministrationIt requires a dedicated group of staffwho offers its time and expertise toadminister the Hospital’s extensivecommunity benefit programs. Thestaff collects and analyzes data ona quarterly basis and ensures thatit meets the necessary criteria tobe categorized as true communitybenefit.

Community Benefit OperationsCommunity benefit operations involve the devel-opment of community health needs assessmentprojects and strategies.

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42 5

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[ C O M M U N I T Y H E A L T H S E R V I C E S ]

“What if you could prevent 90 million healthproblems with just three questions?” Aniella andArissa Opalacz were shocked by this question.

It made Aniella think of her own knee surgery. “I never really understood what happened untilafter the operation.” Three simple questions canclear the way to better understanding betweendoctor and patient: 1. “What is my main problem?”2. “What do I need to do?” 3. “Why is this important to me?” These questions are the heart

of Ask Me Three, a program ofthe Healthcare Council of theMiddlesex Chamber of Commerce,to which Middlesex Hospital lendsits support.

Dr. Stan Opalacz joined the Council as a way to give back to his lifelong hometown. Whendaughters Aniella, 17, and Arissa, 15, heard aboutthe enormous health literacy gap, they startedattending Council meetings and were inspired.

Both sisters knew – the younger you learned, thebetter. So they formed a Health Club at MercyHigh School in Middletown. They made presen-tations to every health class in school. And theygot fascinating responses.

Older teens like Aniella are just starting to dealwith health and medication needs. “If we caninform them now, they’ll know how to talk abouttheir problems. And they’ll tell others.”

Arissa says, “Girls my age usually don’t have big health issues yet, but a lot of them go to thedrug store with their grandmothers. They see this as a great way to help them.”

Aniella adds, “This was a chance to really makea change. And when people see the information,they get excited. That feels great.”

Dr. Stan Opalacz and his daughters,Aniella and Arissa.

4 5

Stroke

Since 1991, B

rad has educated the comm

unity about thesigns and sym

ptoms of stroke. H

e has made hundreds of

presentations at health fairs, to senior groups, schools,churches, Lions C

lubs, industrial companies and other

emergency m

edical personnel. According to B

rad, “Thesooner a person identifies a stroke and seeks m

edicalattention, the m

ore likely its effects can be reversed. Being

able to bring that message to the public has becom

e apersonal m

ission for me.”

As a param

edic, Brad is on the front lines of caring for

the comm

unity. Since m

ost of the preliminary screening

and preparation for definitive care can be done prior to

arriving at the Hospital, param

edics play a pivotal role inacute stroke care. The P

aramedic S

ervice at Middlesex

Hospital began in July of 1987 and has been subsidized

by the Hospital since its inception, for the benefit of sur-

rounding comm

unities.

In 2006, Middlesex H

ospital was designated as a P

rimary

Stroke C

enter by the Joint Com

mission.

Education “W

e see a stroke every 3 to 4

days. M

ost peop

le don’t com

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in soo

n enoug

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hat

we’re trying

to chang

e,” says

Brad

Fo

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aramed

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Brad FowlerParamedic

6 7

Community Health ServicesEach year, Middlesex Hospital offers educational,support, screening and self-help programs torespond to identified health care needs. Most ofthese programs are either low-cost or free.

Disaster Planning for the CommunityHospital staff works on an ongoingbasis with broad representationfrom throughout its service area to develop plans to prepare for a variety of potential emergency situations and natural disasters.

Public InformationThe Hospital produces and distrib-utes educational materials to thepublic on a variety of health andwellness topics, including Vita

magazine and a quarterly CancerCenter newsletter.

Web-Based Consumer Health InformationThe Middlesex Hospital Web siteprovides extensive resources to the public for health and wellnessinformation.

Chamber of CommerceHealthcare Council HealthLiteracy ProgramA county-wide program designedto increase the ability of communitymembers to understand and usehealth information effectively. (Storypgs. 4-5)

Stroke EducationA free, ongoing public informationpresentation about the signs andsymptoms of stroke is offered tolocal organizations and other com-munity members by a dedicatedHospital paramedic. (Story pg. 6)

Caregiver Support GroupProvides support and comfort tohelp people face the challengesand overcome the frustrations ofserving as a primary caregiver.

Financial CounselorsMiddlesex Hospital provides infor-mation about financial assistanceto all patients and makes thisassistance available to individualswho meet established guidelines to receive it. (Story pgs. 26-27)

Middlesex HospitalCommunity CouncilThe Middlesex Hospital CommunityCouncil sponsors a number of free,family-oriented community eventsthroughout the year.

10There are currently more than 10 million cancer survivors in the United States. We offer comprehensive programs,

support groups and educational /informational events for local cancer survivors, their families and friends.

Pregnancy & Birth CenterThe following classes are offered byMiddlesex Hospital’s Pregnancy &Birth Center to low-income individuals and families: • Newborn Care Class• Prepared Childbirth Classes• Breastfeeding Classes (open to all)• Breastfeeding Support Group

Memorial ServiceThe Middlesex Hospital Pregnancy &Birth Center hosts a memorial service for families who have suffered the loss of a child.

Safe Sitter CourseA program for students ages 11 to 13 teaches new babysittershow to safely and responsibly carefor children.

Tremaine LibraryThe Tremaine Medical Library offerscomprehensive health information,resources and individualized searchsupport resources at no charge.

Career ExposStaff from Middlesex Hospital participates in a variety of local,regional and national career exposfor nursing, technologists and otherclinical professionals.

Behavioral HealthTransportation ServiceA free transportation service offeredto behavioral health outpatients.

Opportunity KnocksA community collaborative, com-mitted to improving the health andwell-being of young children, ages 5 and under. (Story pgs. 10-11)

[ C O M M U N I T Y H E A L T H S E R V I C E S ]

Support Groups Support groups for people withbreast, prostate and other cancers,in addition to groups for cancercaregivers and for those who havelost loved ones.

Breast Cancer AwarenessA free, annual breast cancerawareness event to keep the com-munity informed about the latestdevelopments in the diagnosis andtreatment of breast cancer.

Colon Cancer Awareness EventA free, annual colon cancer aware-ness event featuring a panel ofmedical experts and informationabout prevention and treatment ofcolon cancer.

Cancer Survivors DayThis annual event is for cancer survivors and their loved ones tocelebrate life in a fun and relaxingatmosphere with music, entertain-ment and inspirational presentationsfrom other survivors and caregivers.

Cancer Care ProgramThe Cancer Care Program is a freeservice provided at the MiddlesexHospital Cancer Center for patientsand their families. Care Managersassist patients to navigate the treatment, therapies and gain under-standing of their breast, colon andother cancer diagnoses.

I Can CopeA multi-part series co-sponsoredwith the American Cancer Societythat addresses a variety of issuesrelated to cancer diagnosis andtreatment.

Focus on HealingA free, monthly movement therapyprogram for breast cancer patients.

Look Good . . .Feel Better ProgramA program co-sponsored with the American Cancer Society toprovide women with cosmetic tips to address the side effects of cancer treatment.

Wig RoomCancer patients can obtain freeconsultation and choose from avariety of wigs.

Arts in the AtriumA free weekly arts program offeredto cancer patients in the Atrium ofthe Cancer Center.

Cancer Care Transportation AssistanceA free van service is available to transport patients from theshoreline area to radiation therapyappointments at the Cancer Center.

Cancer Center PatientResource LibraryThe Library is available to the public, cancer patients and theirfamilies as a resource for cancerinformation.

CLIMB Program (Children’s Lives IncludeMoments of Bravery)A six-week educational and supportprogram for children ages 6 to 11whose parents or grandparentshave cancer.

Reach ProgramAn educational and support program for teens whose parentshave cancer.

Light One Little CandleA program that provides free children’s books to cancer patientsto encourage them to spend timeconnecting with the children in theirlives through reading.

8 9

TheKidsAre

In June of 2003, the people of Middletown made young children a priority by forming a community-wide collabora-tive called Opportunity Knocks (OK). A school/communitypartnership, OK includes representatives from local healthand social service agencies, early care and education, andfamilies – all committed to improving the health and well-being of young children 5 and under.

As a result of community-based research, the coalition addresses obesity, lack ofroutine dental care, and poor behavioral health issues thatcould lead to preschool expulsion or impact a child’s futureschool performance.

In collaboration with the Middletown School ReadinessCouncil and Middlesex United Way, Middlesex Hospitalsecured a four-year grant from the Funders’ Collaborativeto make OK possible. Middlesex Hospital houses OK’sprogram planner; carves out staff time from several depart-ments to ensure active involvement in the collaborative; andis the lead fiscal agent and administrator of OK through its Finance Department. To date, Middlesex Hospital hascontributed $15,500 and countless in-kind hours towardservices to children at preschools that serve mostly low-income families.

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OK envisions that every Middletown child enterskindergarten physically and emotionally healthy and ready to succeed in school.

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[ C O M M U N I T Y H E A L T H S E R V I C E S ]

Chronic Care Manage

Chronic diseases affeAmericans annually. Dprograms are free to asthma, smoking cesfailure and diabetes.

[ C O M M U N I T Y H E A L T H S E R V I C E S ]

ment

ct nearly 100 millionisease managementpatients and focus onsation, chronic heart

The Center for Chronic Care Management’s disease management programs are free topatients and focus on asthma, chronic heart failure, smoking cessation and diabetes. These

programs are financially supported by theHospital and community contributions. Programgoals include keeping people out of the emer-gency room and hospital and instead, giving themthe tools necessary to manage their illnessessuccessfully so they can lead healthier lives.

In the United States, about 20 million peoplehave been diagnosed with asthma – 9 millionof them are children. The following profile demon-strates how the LittleAIR pediatric asthma programat Middlesex Hospital has made a difference inthe lives of a mother and her two sons who havethe disease.

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“It feels like your lungs are collapsing.Suddenly, you can’t catch your breath.

If you’re a kid with asthma,chances are, you may notrealize what brought onan attack. Being a kid isso much cooler when youcan actually breathe.Imagine that.

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Georgette Carr knows first hand: “Asthma runs in my family,” she says. “I had a severe case as a child.” When two of her three children showedsymptoms, “I did everything a mom could. But Inever really understood asthma, what triggered it,or how life-threatening it can be, until the asthmaprogram. That woke me up.”

Georgette’s doctor sent the family to MiddlesexHospital’s LittleAIR pediatric asthma program tofind help for her sons, Rontarus,13, and Jeavonté,10. The Program is free to the entire communitythrough the Center for Chronic Care Management.Here, experts teach people with asthma – kidsand adults – to manage the disease themselves.Each person discovers the different triggers, from

allergies to dust mites, that bring on an attack.They learn step-by-step how to deal with it. “I learned how important it was to take my medicine, how much and when,” says Rontarus.“And how to use the pump if you’re having ahard time breathing,” adds Jeavonté.

The Program’s goal: to help people with asthmafunction at a higher level – in short, to spend lesstime sick and more time being active and havingfun like other kids.

The help goes far beyond education and med-ication. “We learned that carpet dust can bringon an attack,” says Georgette. “So they evenhelped me find an apartment that didn’t havecarpeting. They showed us special mattress covers, for more protection. They’re awesome.”

It can happen anywhere, at any time. You’re scared. It’s terrifying.”

[ C O M M U N I T Y H E A L T H S E R V I C E S ]

Georgette has seen “steady progress” in hersons since taking part. “They run around moreand play longer.”

Rontarus loves swimming. “I’m feeling better. I’mnot coughing hard. I’m growing out of my asthma,and it’s good.” And Jeavonté, who was once too winded to climb the monkey bars? “I can gooutside in the winter now and play!” Way cool.

[ C O M M U N I T Y H E A L T H S E R V I C E S ]

Community Health CenterPartnership for Prenatal CarePrenatal physician services are provided at the Community HealthCenter to low-income and unin-sured mothers.

Middlesex Hospital HomecareScreenings and ClinicsFree blood pressure clinics areconducted throughout the year in a variety of towns in the Hospital’sservice area, and annual flu shotsare administered to those who are uninsured.

These programs involve clinical services to improvecommunity health beyond the established Hospitaloutpatient services.

Health Fairs/ScreeningsHealth screenings are conductedby the Hospital annually, includingthe national “Legs for Life” screen-ings for peripheral vascular diseaseand skin cancer screenings con-ducted by the Middlesex HospitalCancer Center. In addition, Hospitalstaff participates in health fairsthroughout the year in many localtowns.

Annual Health Examinationsfor the Haddam Fire CompanyAnnual free physical examinationsare performed for the members ofthe fire company.

Coumadin/Warfarin Safety EducationMiddlesex Hospital is deeply invest-ed in educating the community onthe proper administration and useof Coumadin and Warfarin. An educational seminar for the publicon this topic was held in 2007.

Red Cross Blood DrivesQuarterly volunteer blood drives are conducted at the Hospital.Each session usually draws 80 to90 donors and collects as much as 70 useable pints.

16 17

Margaret Flinter,Community

Health Center

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18 19

CommunitiesGrowing

in managing chronic diseases, and in getting uninsuredpatients access – not just to primary care – but to themany specialty services that are critical to managing complex health problems.”

Margaret puts it this way: “The critical element in providingcommunity benefit is always leadership. It’s happening so proactively in this county because Middlesex Hospitaland its administration understand that health care – andimproving health – doesn’t just happen inside hospital walls.”

Shoreline Career DayDuring this annual event at theMiddlesex Hospital ShorelineMedical Center, local high schoolstudents can experience an emergency in real time and learnwhat it’s like to be a health careprofessional.

Students get the chance to exploremany clinical areas, including med-icine and nursing, radiology, physicaltherapy and the laboratory. In eachsetting, they are introduced to theprofessional education needed forthat field. (Story pgs. 20-21)

Family Medicine Residency ProgramThe Hospital offers a well-respectedFamily Medicine Residency Programthat has graduated many familymedicine physicians who haveestablished practices in the localMiddlesex County area. Residentsare required to develop and partici-pate in community health projectsduring their course of study.

Health Professions EducationThis category includes educational and financialprograms intended to help prepare future healthcare professionals, including physicians, nursesand other clinical personnel.

Margaret Flinter of the Community Health Center (CHC)says, “Middlesex Hospital people were providing ‘commu-nity benefit’ long before the term was labeled.” She pointsto the Family Medicine Residency Program that “attractsgreat people, trains them superbly, and exposes them tocommunity health. And many of these physicians stay inthe community. Middlesex Hospital and the CHC have made two decades of progress on prenatal and obstetric care,making sure women who often have many risk factors get the comprehensive help they need.” Thanks to the partnershipbetween the organizations, “We've made real progress on meeting the demand for behavioral health care in children,

Of the almost 200 local high school students who’ve attended Middlesex

[ H E A L T H P R O F E S S I O N S E D U C A T I O N ]

Career Day is the inspiration of emergency nurseRhonda Forristall, R.N. Learning of a loomingnursing shortage, in 2002 she created this annualevent where students from the community canexperience an emergency in real time and learnwhat it’s like to be a health professional.

“They go from the crash site through the noiseand action of the E.R. to recovery and physicaltherapy,” says Rhonda. “It’s a hands-on day. We’realways asking them, ‘Help me with this splint,’ or‘Put the IV in the rubber dummy’s arm.’ They getreally excited.” She does admit: “There hasn’tbeen a year when one of them doesn’t get light-headed and has to sit down.” But even more ofthem get turned on to the careers and go on.

“Some of them learn they’re not right for bloodand gore. But we show them there are so manyother fascinating sides to care, like radiology andphysical therapy… We help them explore it all.”

The program has been so successful, it hasbeen featured in Advance for Nurses magazine,Nursing Spectrum, and Journal for EmergencyNursing, as well as in local newspapers. In 2006, the Connecticut Hospital Association honoredRhonda as a “Healthcare Hero” for her work. But her greatest satisfaction comes from theyoung eyes she opens.

“Parents have told the guidance counselors wework with, ‘Thank you for this experience.’ Theysay it has opened doors that their kids never

thought about before.”

More than 30 Shoreline Medical Centerand other Hospital staff members vol-unteer their time every year to conductthe Career Day event at the Shoreline

Medical Center. Junior and senior high schoolstudents are invited to participate.

You’re a high school kid and you suddenly comeupon a car wrapped around a telephone pole.The bloody victim is still breathing behind thewheel. What do you do? And what do you dohours later, when that same victim arrives, fullyhealed and neatly attired, to tell you aboutcareers in medical care?

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20 21

Hospital Shoreline Medical Center Career Day, 80 percent go on to careers in medical care.

Loretta Marion

Hosp

ice Volunteer

When loved ones pass on, great stories vanish w

ith them –

even tales their own fam

ilies never heard. Capturing those

lives is the mission of H

ospice volunteer, Loretta Marion.

Loretta uses her writing gift to share the legacy of a lifetim

ew

ith families of H

ospice patients.

A breast cancer survivor herself, “I w

anted to record thestories of our patients and honor their lives,” says Loretta.H

er “Legacy Stories,” for w

hich she donates her time to

prepare, give generations of families – and the entire

comm

unity – deeper roots.

The Hospice P

rogram at M

iddlesex Hospital began in the

late 1980s. Since then, it has served the needs of patients

and their families by bringing dignity and com

passion to thefinal stages of life. The program

is offered both in theH

ospital and in the home. D

ue to the enormous cost of

Hospice care, the program

is subsidized by the Hospital

through philanthropic support and other Hospital funding.

22 23

Subsidized Health ServicesSeveral services provided by the Hospital routinelyoperate at a loss but continue to be offered inorder to serve the community.

Family Advocacy ProgramThe Family Advocacy Programoffers comprehensive programs forchildren and adults that includebehavioral health outpatient servicesfor children and adolescents, par-enting education and communityresource referrals for families.

Cardiac RehabilitationAfter a heart attack or heart surgery,a patient often undergoes a pro-gram of monitored exercise andeducation to help in recovery andimprove lifestyle. Although insur-ance often pays for this service, it does not generate enoughincome to be sustained without a Hospital subsidy.

Middlesex Hospital HomecareMiddlesex Hospital Homecare has offered a wide range of profes-sional clinical services in the homefor more than 100 years. Teamedwith the extensive resources ofMiddlesex Hospital, this traditioncontinues, combined with state-of-the-art health care and a dedicated,caring staff.

Behavioral HealthMiddlesex Hospital offers a largespectrum of behavioral health services, including inpatient andoutpatient therapy and supportgroups for children, adults andseniors.

Emergency DepartmentThe Emergency Department is the“front door” to Middlesex Hospital.The Department treats every per-son who comes through the door,regardless of their ability to pay. In addition, the Emergency CrisisService provides assessment ofacute psychiatric patients 24 hoursa day, 7 days a week. EmergencyDepartments are located inMiddletown, Marlborough andEssex.

ParamedicsThe Middlesex Hospital ParamedicService provides skilled emergencycare to patients before they arriveat the Hospital. Paramedics alsoconduct emergency medical services training for volunteer emer-gency medical service organizations,including local fire departments andambulance associations. Since itbegan, the Hospital has coveredthe financial shortfalls of the para-medic service.

Hospice and Palliative CareThe Hospice Program at MiddlesexHospital began in the late 1980s.Since then, it has served the needsof patients and their families bybringing dignity and compassion tothe final stages of life. The programis offered both in the Hospital andin the home. (Story pg. 22)

“I figured a clinical trial was was offered just didn’t seem

an alternative th

Patients have become very comfortable under-going clinical trials for a number of reasons. The trials involve very strict guidelines regardingpatient follow-up, including how to adjust dosageto minimize side effects and how to monitor effectiveness. And clinical professionals alwaysconduct them under close medical supervision by the trial monitors.

Many trials do not use placebos (sugar pills). Infact, most trials now either use new combinationsor new agents (Phase II) or a comparison of two

Cancer patients at the Middlesex Hospital CancerCenter can participate in clinical research trials,which provide the most advanced and promisingnew therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer. The trials represent crucial pathways foradvancement of knowledge for treating cancer,while protecting the safety, prerogatives and confidentiality of the patient.

Clinical trials are a preferred option for conditionsthat have no standard treatment. Also, if the stan-dard treatment proves to be no longer effective –or a particular drug is not yet available – clinicaltrials can have great potential.

ResearchClinical studies are conducted to determine newor more effective methods of cancer treatment.

my best shot. The first trial I m to suit me, but I was offered

Cancer Center Clinical TrialsThere are currently 27 clinicaltrials underway for patientswith cancer, including breast,colon, lung, esophageal, pancreatic, prostate, rectaland other cancers.

already-proven treatments, to decide which one is better (Phase III). Placebo use in clinical trials is becoming a thing of the past and the days ofpatients feeling like “guinea pigs” are long gone.Many patients actually consider themselves trail-blazers, in that they are moving the field of cancerscience and research further ahead through theirparticipation. They also feel reassured that theyare participating in clearly defined protocols,developed by a national group of medical experts.

top of left page:Steve Harper, R.N., O.C.N.

Miklos Fogarasi, M.D.

left:Christine Willett 24 25

hat felt right, so I said, ‘Why not?’”

“It’s been that kind of year,” says Ellie Hughes. Ellie and her husband,Tom, run a small business. They lost their health insurance when thebusiness took a downturn. Ellie wasdiagnosed with breast cancer andTom with heart problems and brokenbones due to a fall. They turned toMiddlesex Hospital for care. TheHospital staff suggested they applyfor financial aid.

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es.

In Times Of

“Middlesex was amazing,” said Ellie. “Like every-one else we met here, our financial counselorwas so patient and compassionate.” Tom added,“The financial aid took a load off my mind. I can’tsay enough good things about Middlesex.”

Middlesex Hospital offers free or discounted healthservices to persons who cannot afford to pay and who meet the Hospital’s criteria for financialassistance. Great care is taken to make sure thatpatients are informed of the availability of thesefunds, which was the case with the Hugheses.

26 27

Financial and In-Kind ContributionsAny funds and in-kind services (i.e., equipment, food,supplies) donated by the Hospital to the communityat large.

dCorporate Donations FromMiddlesex HospitalIn 2007, Middlesex Hospital provided corporate support in theform of sponsorships to a variety of community organizationsthroughout Middlesex County.

Community Use of Meeting SpaceThe Hospital provides on-sitemeeting space for many localgroups and organizations through-out the year, free of charge.

Elli

e an

d T

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s

Sub

sid

ized

Hea

lth S

ervi

ces

$8

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unity

Hea

lth S

ervi

ces

$1,

58

5,8

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efit

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erat

ions

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ssio

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duc

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15

9,4

63

Specific values have been annualized until September 30, 2007.

Res

earc

h$

40

5,6

09

$24,98

Total Community BenefitIn 2007, Middlesex Hospital provided its commu-nity benefit programs at a total of $24,984,806.The following pages provide further detail by category. Although these figures were developedaccording to established reporting guidelines, it is impossible to place a dollar value on the trueimpact these programs have on the lives of peoplethroughout our community.

Cha

rity

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1,5

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fall)

In addition, the Hospitalhas absorbed $7,290,687in bad debt costs. Thesecosts, however, do notqualify as reportableCommunity Benefit.

84,806

Subsidized H

ealth Services

30 31

Comm

unity

Hea

lth S

ervic

es

Community Benefit Operatio

ns

Health Professions Education

Research

Don

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ns

Community Building Activities

Charity Care

Gov

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146,909PERSONS SERVED BENEFIT

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unit

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48,

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ased

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63

6

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26

36

5,8

57

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1,3

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and

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ome

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ls:

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r

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mun

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enefi

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*2

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ls:

1,79

915

9,46

3

Res

earc

h

Clin

ical

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21,

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Res

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y B

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ents

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ealth

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it O

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77,

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6

Tota

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6

Cha

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Car

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Free

/Dis

coun

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lth S

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81

41,

58

8,5

32

Tota

ls:

814

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Go

vern

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nso

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ls:

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183,

421

Gra

nd T

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ls:

146,

909

24,

984,

806

* Numbers served unable to be quantified as they apply to the community at large.** Financial benefit incorporated within “Health Professions Education” category.

Specific values have been annualized until September 30, 2007.

PE

RS

ON

SB

EN

EF

ITP

ER

SO

NS

BE

NE

FIT

Notes:

Overview of Expenditures & People Served

Middlesex Hospital is helping to build a stronger community – one person at a time.

A definition of Community Benefit*: Programs or activities that provide treatment and/or promote health and healing as aresponse to identified community needs. These programs often operate at a financial loss to the Hospital; respond to needs of special groups, such as persons living in poverty; supply services that would likely be discontinued or would need to be provided byanother organization, if the decision was made on a purely financial basis; respond to public health needs; involve education or research that improves overall community health.

* From “A Guide for Planning and Reporting Community Benefit,” published by The Catholic Health Association of the United States, 2006, developed in cooperation with VHA, Inc.

Community BenefitAdministration(860) 358-3000

Middlesex County Chamber of CommerceHealth Literacy Program(860) 347-6924

Stroke Education(860) 358-6440

Cancer Center Programs(860) 358-2050

Family Medicine Residency Program(860) 358-6418

Family Advocacy(860) 358-3401

Chronic Care Management(Asthma, Diabetes, Chronic Heart Failure, SmokingIntervention Service)(860) 358-3000

Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Medical Center(860) 358-3700

Financial Assistance(860) 358-2402(860) 358-2403

Hospice(860) 358-6100

Behavioral Health Outpatient Programs(860) 358-8800

Tremaine Library(860) 358-6286

Patient Resource Library (Cancer Center)(860) 358-2020

Middlesex HospitalHomecare(860) 358-5600

For all other programs not listed above, please call the Middlesex HospitalMarketing & Public Relations Department at (860) 358-6387.

Quick Reference Guide

production credits

Editor:Peg Arico

Design:Bertz Design Group

Printing:Integrity Graphics

Photography:Paul Horton

John Giammatteo (this page, two people on left)

Tom Derby(page 18-19, small location photos)

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDMiddletown, CTPermit No. 19

28 Crescent StreetMiddletown, CT 06457-3650

2007 MIDDLESEX HEALTH SYSTEM

Community Benefit Report

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